The ultimate Cancun nightlife travel guide

If you're looking for a party, there's no better place to go than Cancun, a city known for its fiestas. If you've spent all day lounging on the beach, it's time to hit the town and experience one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in all of Latin America. Cancun's nightlife attracts partygoers from all over the world, so you'll have plenty of chances to meet new people while enjoying excellent tunes and a top-notch party atmosphere.

See the best places to party in Cancun, a rundown of Cancun’s best clubs and some top tips for staying safe and enjoying your night in this handy nightlife guide.

Introduction to Cancun nightlife

Cancun is one of Mexico’s most famous tourist resorts, with dozens of hotels and endless sandy beaches. This means there’s always a high demand for a party after a day on the beach!

Spring Break in Cancun is one of the busiest and most exciting times in Cancun’s nightlife calendar, with huge club nights, beach parties and live shows in the Hotel Zone common throughout late spring.

The partying scene in Cancun is split between the hotel zone, along the Nichupte Lagoon, and downtown Cancun.

Clubs in Cancun

Superclubs in Cancun include Coco Bongo, Daddy’O, and The City. There is nightly entertainment at each of these venues that can accommodate thousands of people. Going out for a night on the town in Cancun entails more than just kicking back with a drink and maybe doing some dancing.

Fantastic circus-style performances, massive video screens, the renowned Cancun bikini contests, mime artists, wacky waiters, bubble balloons, and ticker tape all contribute to the nonstop action.

The major nightclubs in Cancun frequently stay open until 6 a.m.

Bars in Cancun

Cancun is home to countless exciting watering holes, such as La Vaquita, Congo Bar, Senor Frogs, and Carlos N' Charlie's.

Most of them serve meals during the day, and some do so into the night as well. The atmosphere shifts dramatically from quiet restaurant to lively bar with nightly entertainment and interactive games once the sun goes down.

Regular closing time for bars like these is around 3 a.m. There are both pay-as-you-go and open bar options, with the latter starting at $30 for three hours.

Cancun's locals aren't above joining in on the fun when tourists flood the hotel zone's clubs and bars on the weekend.

Spring Break in Cancun

Midway through February through April, Cancun plays host to the world's greatest events and parties, drawing in tens of thousands of college students and vacationers each year. Spring Break in Cancun is the best vacation we've ever been on, and we're not just saying that because we work for Feel Summer.

Cancun is a hive of activity during Spring Break, with the city transformed by the influx of college students and their quests for a good time. From the daytime beach parties on the Caribbean Sea to the late-night Superclub parties across town, you can expect nonstop wild parties.

The best nightlife spots in Cancun

Coco Bongo

Every tourist who has gone out drinking in Cancun swears by the centrally located Coco Bongo in the Hotel Zone.

Most young people make it a point to spend at least one night at Coco Bongo during their time out in Cancun's nightlife. As a result of its reputation for spectacular and wild shows, Coco Bongo is a popular destination for those seeking a thrilling night out.

This club is perfect for fans of the circus and acrobatic performances. DJs at these shows often play a medley of classic songs from the '70s and '80s.

The city

The City is the place to go if you want to party like it's 1999, with over 8,000 square feet (743 square metres) of space and nine bars spread across three floors. International superstars like Fergie, Tisto, Paul Van Dyk, and more have all performed here.

Over five thousand people can stay out until sunrise at a good party. These people know how to throw a party, with a fantastic sound and lighting system.

Senor Frogs

Seor Frogs is already a tradition thanks to its 13 locations across the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. On Wednesdays, revellers can expect to experience a traditional foam party set to the sounds of electronica, house, and hip hop. Come here if you want to socialise and have a good time.

Daddy’O

Although it has been open for over 25 years, Dady’O still manages to attract thousands of revellers each and every night. Almost every night, there is a different type of party, with a different master of ceremonies hosting things like bikini contests, open bar specials, theme parties, and more.

Daddy’O features some of the region's best DJs, who keep the party going all night long. Electo, dance, techno, and pop are the most common genres of music played.

Mandala Beach Club

Enjoying a tasty tropical drink while listening to soothing music by the Caribbean Sea is one of life's greatest pleasures. You can find all this and more at Mandala, an outdoor club playing house music. The pool party and bikini competition is held every Tuesday night at 9 o'clock. This trendy nightclub welcomes its first guests every night at 9:30.

Hotel Zone

You really don’t have to venture far to find amazing nightlife in Cancun. Most of the major hotels have their own fabulous bars and entertainment, with many serving drinks into the small hours. Save money by going for an all-inclusive Cancun hotel option when you book.

Top tips for a night out in Cancun

• For excellent service, tipping is expected in the Cancun nightlife scene. If you tip well at the beginning of the night, many waiters will stay with you the whole time. If you upset the wrong waiter by failing to tip, you may have to wait a long time for your drinks.

• Beware of shot girls who roam the club looking to sell tequila or jelly shots. The photo ops they present are entertaining and memorable, but they can be quite persuasive.

• The alcohol served is generally not great quality. But there has been a noticeable shift in recent years toward providing higher-quality fare in general.

• If ordering drinks, it's best to pay as you go. If not, keep count on your drinks and examine your check carefully.

• Don't get lost in the throngs of people at Cancun's clubs and bars. Study the layout of the building and commit the locations of the restrooms and exits to memory.

• Do not accept drinks from strangers and always keep an eye on your drinks. This is true for both men and women.

• Don’t leave cameras on tables, or your bag hanging from your seat.